Hearing loss sneaks up on people, and for years the price of hearing aids, often several thousand dollars a pair, kept many folks from doing anything about it. That’s changed. Today there are far cheaper options, and treating hearing loss matters for more than just conversation: it helps you stay safe, connected, and engaged with the people you love.
Professor’s safety note: Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, is a medical emergency. See a doctor right away, ideally within a day or two. Quick treatment can make a real difference. Also see a doctor for ear pain, drainage, dizziness, or ringing in just one ear.
Lesson 1: Get Your Hearing Checked
- Start with your doctor. Sometimes “hearing loss” is just earwax buildup, which is easy and cheap to fix.
- Medicare covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams. You can see an audiologist once every 12 months for certain hearing problems without a doctor’s order.
- Free or low-cost hearing tests are often available at warehouse club hearing centers, some retailers, health fairs, and senior centers.
- Online hearing screenings and apps can give you a rough idea of where you stand, but they aren’t a full exam.
Lesson 2: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
Since 2022, adults can buy FDA-regulated hearing aids over the counter without a prescription or a hearing exam. They’re sold at drugstores, big-box stores, electronics stores, and online, and they usually cost a fraction of traditional prescription hearing aids.
- Who they’re for: Adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Signs include trouble following conversations in noisy places or turning the TV up louder than others like.
- Who they’re not for: People with severe hearing loss, children, or anyone with the warning signs above. Those folks should see a doctor or audiologist.
- Shopping tips: Look for a generous return window (many offer 30 to 45 days or more), a warranty, and phone or app support to help you adjust them. Make sure what you’re buying is actually labeled an “OTC hearing aid,” not a cheap “personal sound amplifier,” which isn’t designed for hearing loss.
Lesson 3: Cheaper Prescription Hearing Aids
If you need prescription hearing aids, you still have ways to save:
- Warehouse club hearing centers are known for much lower prices than many private clinics, often including hearing tests and follow-up adjustments. Membership may be required.
- Ask for “unbundled” pricing. Many clinics bundle the devices with years of visits. Paying separately can cost less.
- Ask about last year’s model or a lower technology level. Many people don’t need every feature.
- University audiology clinics may offer lower prices.
- Use an HSA or FSA if you have one. Hearing aids are a qualified expense.
Lesson 4: What Insurance Covers
- Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids or the fitting.
- Many Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid benefits or allowances. If hearing aids are on your list, compare plans during Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7.
- Medicaid hearing aid coverage for adults varies by state. In California, Medi-Cal covers hearing aids for adults, with limits. Children on Medicaid get coverage in every state.
- Veterans enrolled in VA health care may be able to get hearing aids through the VA. Ask your VA care team.
- Some private insurance and employer plans include hearing aid benefits. Call and ask.
- Your state’s vocational rehabilitation program may help pay for hearing aids if hearing loss affects your ability to work.
Lesson 5: Help Programs and Free Phones
- Lions Clubs and other local service clubs sometimes help with hearing aids or recycled hearing aids. Call your local club.
- The Hearing Loss Association of America has guides to financial help and support groups.
- Free phones for hearing loss: Many states give free amplified or captioned phones to residents with hearing loss. In California, the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) provides free amplified phones and other devices to eligible residents. Free captioned telephone services, which show the words on a screen as the other person talks, are also available nationwide to people with hearing loss.
Lesson 6: Make Your Hearing Aids Last
- Clean them gently every day and keep them dry. A cheap drying box helps.
- Store them in their case, away from pets (dogs love to chew them).
- Buy batteries in bulk, or choose rechargeable models.
- Ask about loss and damage coverage, which is often included the first year or available cheaply through home insurance.
Quick Review
- Sudden hearing loss is an emergency. See a doctor fast.
- Rule out earwax and get a hearing check.
- Mild to moderate loss? Try OTC hearing aids with a good return policy.
- Need prescription aids? Compare warehouse clubs and ask for unbundled pricing.
- Check Medicare Advantage, Medi-Cal, VA, and other coverage.
- Look for help programs and free amplified or captioned phones.
- Take good care of your hearing aids.
More health savings from the Financial Aid Office: Free or Cheap Eye Exams and Glasses, Free or Low-Cost Dental Care, How to Lower Your Medical Bills, and Senior Discounts Worth Asking For.
Need More Than Savings?
Our sister site Chances.org has free, step-by-step guides:
- Health Care Help: free and low-cost care and help with medical bills
- How to Deal With Loneliness: staying connected, especially when hearing makes it harder
- How to Care for an Aging Parent: where to start and where to find help
Class dismissed. Did you hear that? Good.
Coverage and programs change and vary by state. This lesson is general information, not medical advice.